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The Technical Assistance Community Based Counselling and testing (CBCT) teams have received new mobile units that are fully equipped with 2 counselling rooms.
The counselling rooms are built in 2 iveco vans and 2 trailers. The new mobile units have built-in fully equipped counselling rooms which are fitted with air conditioner, fridge, charging ports and LED lights. All these accessories use solar energy but a generator is also installed in the trailer for back-up. One of the consulting rooms can convert into pap smear and pelvic examination rooms.
In the past the counselling teams used gazebos as counselling rooms. When they arrive at the testing venue, they would have to set up the gazebos and that process would take-up about 30-45 minutes. With the new mobile units, the counsellors can save the set up time and start testing immediately when they arrive at the venue.
During the ribbon ceremony Dr Gustaaf Wolvaardt message to the teams was: You are doing an incredible job, you have tested close to 2 million people but the work is not done. You still need identify and test the other 2 million people who are not aware of their status. You are experts at what you do, you have done and great job and keep it up.
The Head of the CBCT, Hanlie Kapp thanked the staff for their commitment. Furthermore she said; "you are making a huge impact in people's lives. Since 2007 FPD has tested an estimate of 47 000 people per year. This is a great achievement. I would like to thank Nicky Swanepoel and his team for the designs, layout and branding of the vehicles because there is nothing like them in South Africa. I would also like to thank FPD management for getting the sponsorship money for another 5 years to help us to continue our work."
The Community Based Counselling and Testing teams were also officially opening their new offices. The official ribbon cutting was done by FPD CEO, Dr Gustaaf Wolvaardt.
"The new offices are better because the reception desk and filing room are separated; they have a meeting room for visitors, 3 offices; 1 for mentors, 1 for co-ordinators and 1 boardroom for staff meetings and training. The offices are also equipped with a medical storeroom used to store any medical equipment and waste medical equipment collected once a week or every 2 weeks" said Nadeem Sheriff in closing.
